The Kataeb political office held a meeting chaired by the party leader, MP Samy Gemayel. After reviewing the developments, the visits of international envoys to the region and Lebanon, and the official statements, it issued the following statement: "The political office followed the official statements regarding the war ongoing in southern Lebanon, particularly the contradictory positions issued by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which clearly indicate the extent of the country's hijacking and the control over its decision. Much has been explained, and justifications have increased for an official position that seeks only to cover what Hezbollah has outlined. This destructive ambiguity only serves the logic of linking battlegrounds, Gaza to Beirut and the Upper Galilee to southern Lebanon, with a decision that is outside the government's authority and the opinion of the overwhelming majority of the Lebanese people. A clear Lebanese position is required, one that does not allow for interpretation in times of precise calculations.
The Kataeb Party rejects this accelerating tendency to link Lebanon’s fate to the ongoing regional conflict. The party also demands the immediate implementation of Resolution 1701 by both sides and the suspension of any negotiations regarding the borders without a president of the republic, who is exclusively authorized to negotiate and conclude international agreements, as well as the implementation of Resolution 1559 to restore the state and ensure that legitimate forces have exclusive possession and use of weapons to guarantee stability."
The statement added: "The political office considers that the proliferation of militias alongside legitimate forces is no longer a simple matter, with their number exceeding six, openly declaring their involvement in wars—most recently the announcement by the Amal Movement, led by the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, who is supposed to uphold the constitution, legitimacy, and institutions. The political office also rejects the new presidential maneuver that consists of the possibility of calling for dialogue as long as the Hezbollah team continues to cling to a candidate that opposes the will of the majority of the Lebanese people and the friendly nations of Lebanon.
Accordingly, the Kataeb political office confirms that the election of a president for the country will remain an absolute priority to accompany the impending obligations. This requires a sense of responsibility, which has unfortunately become absent in a political team that enjoys obstruction and practices extortion. This team is now called to meet the opposition halfway and consider names capable of uniting the country and restoring trust to revive Lebanon."
